From Steel Town Dreams to Rock Revival:​ Earl‌ Johnson’s Journey with Moxy

Earl Johnson, hailing from a working-class ⁤area in Canada, aspired to transcend the confines of a steel mill. His aspirations materialized ⁤with the formation of Moxy, whose self-titled debut album released in 1976 ⁢has as garnered a dedicated fanbase.

Although Johnson was the chief songwriter and lead guitarist, he‌ only performed lead on two tracks, while the⁢ legendary Tommy Bolin contributed⁤ to ⁣the other ​six.Initially, Johnson felt discontent with this arrangement, but as time passed, he found peace⁢ with it. “Having Tommy Bolin play on my songs​ isn’t such ⁣a bad thing!” he reflects.

“Sales didn’t suffer,⁤ but critics overlooked Bolin’s contributions, focusing rather on the music⁢ and the band’s overall sound.Fans didn’t buy the ‍album for Bolin; it gained traction as DJs ‍in San Antonio were​ spinning it⁢ regularly,” he adds.

The Double-Edged Sword of Success

Johnson acknowledges the bittersweet nature ‌of Moxy’s success. “While having Bolin was flattering, it artistically complicated things for me. It created a rift between me and Buzz [vocalist Douglas Buzz Shearman], leading to notable conflict.”

Early Inspirations and Musical Evolution

What⁤ ignited your passion for the guitar?

“I started taking lessons at 12, but I despised it since my friends ‍were playing football. I quit, but later, ​I was inspired to⁤ learn⁣ Chuck⁣ Berry’s style. ‌At 14, I rediscovered my guitar in the attic, and after hearing Led Zeppelin’s ‘Whole Lotta Love,’ I was hooked. By 17, I was determined ‌to leave school and pursue music full-time.”

What musical influences ⁤shaped your style?

“I was a massive ⁣fan of Eric Clapton. When ‘Fresh Cream’ was released, I was blown away by that raw tone. it was pure and unprocessed, and I remember thinking, ‘Wow!’ I eventually got a Marshall ​amp, which fueled⁢ my passion for blues, leading me to practice for hours at ⁢home.”

From King Biscuit Boy to Moxy

Your first band was King Biscuit Boy, correct?

“Yes, I grew up‌ in Hamilton, a steel⁤ town similar to Pittsburgh. the expectation was to follow in my father’s footsteps and work in the steel industry, but I wanted more. At 18, I auditioned for King Biscuit Boy, a band preparing to ⁣tour the States. ‍I spent three years on the ⁢road with them,gaining invaluable experience.”

What led to the creation of Moxy?

“A close friend who played bass was in a band with Buzz Shearman, who would become Moxy’s lead singer.As ⁣I began writing my own material, I left King Biscuit Boy to​ collaborate with Buzz. we started crafting songs like ‘Moonrider’ and faced challenges performing ​original music in bars that preferred hits.”

After a year apart, I returned to Hamilton at 23, writing songs like ‘Sail On Sail⁤ Away’ and ‘Can’t you See I’m a Star’ in my parents’ basement.‍ I called Buzz, saying, ‘I think I’ve got something,’ and that’s how Moxy was born.”

The Tommy Bolin Connection

How did Tommy Bolin end up on Moxy’s debut album?

“I was ⁢so stunned ⁤that I couldn’t process ‌what was happening. ‍Years⁣ later, ‍I learned that it was common for bands like Kiss not to have Ace​ Frehley play all the solos, so it wasn’t unusual.”

“We formed the band ‌in a Led Zeppelin-style four-piece and began recording demos⁤ in Toronto before landing a record deal in LA.We had little studio experience and recorded ‘Sail On Sail Away’ and ‘Can’t You See I’m a Star’ with me playing all the solos.”

“However, during the recording of ‘Moonrider,’ I faced unexpected pushback. I was bewildered when I found myself on a flight back to Toronto, ​only to learn ⁤that Bolin had played the solos on six tracks.”

Reflections on Artistic Direction

How did‍ you feel ⁣about that decision?

“I was in complete shock. I later realized that‌ it⁢ was a common practice in the⁤ industry. ⁣Our manager had ⁣previously worked with Bolin, and it‍ felt ⁣like a marketing strategy rather than a genuine collaboration.”

“If I​ had the chance,‍ I would have approached those solos differently.‍ My style was a blend​ of Zeppelin and Sabbath, aiming for a gritty sound⁤ that could only be ⁢achieved with ‌a Marshall amp. My solos and Bolin’s ‍playing were worlds apart, and‌ I wanted to maintain my artistic integrity.”

Challenges Within Moxy

Despite sticking with Moxy for ⁢three⁢ more albums, ⁣did the Bolin situation linger in your mind?

“absolutely. I was the main songwriter, but the Bolin incident created tension with Buzz over the‍ band’s direction. My vision for ‌a more progressive metal sound ‍was ⁤lost, and I felt increasingly disconnected from ‍the group.”

“Before I left,Buzz was ⁤replaced by‍ Mike‍ Reno,who ⁢later fronted Loverboy. Buzz had vocal issues, and I was impressed when I heard Reno’s tape. However, the musical direction⁣ continued to shift, and I felt further distanced from the band’s vision.”

“After ten years on the road, I​ decided to quit.⁣ I took a‌ summer off⁣ at my wife’s mother’s cottage and eventually transitioned to a retail job in the audio industry, later ⁢becoming ‍a sales manager at Cerwin-Vega.”

The‍ Return of‍ Moxy

What prompted you to ‌reform Moxy in 2001?

“The guys‍ reached out, saying they⁤ were heading to Texas to record. I was married but knew it wasn’t going‌ to last, so I joined them for some shows. By 2005,we ​were⁢ returning to Texas annually.”

“After Buzz’s tragic passing in the ’80s, we cycled⁣ thru various singers. I assembled a new lineup with a vocalist from a Bon ‍jovi tribute band, and his voice⁣ is astonishing! We’ve been working together and plan to release new music in January. It feels like a⁢ gamble, but it’s exciting.”

A Bright Future Ahead

Given Moxy’s dedicated fanbase, your efforts could very well pay off.

“We’ll continue as long as we ⁣can. I’m still teaching guitar ‌full-time and playing, living out my‌ dream. I never imagined I’d be in this position, but ⁣I feel like I’m experiencing a second childhood!”